Introduction

A very old temple, Khandoba Mandir is located on the Ahmednagar-Kopergaon road near Shri Sainath Hospital in Shirdi. Khandoba is the presiding deity of the Shirdi village, and the temple has sculpted icons of Khandoba, Banai and Mhalsai. It is believed that Sai Baba had stepped here in Shirdi at the foot of a banyan tree near Khandoba Mandir to attend a marriage procession. And on seeing him the head priest of the temple, Mhalsapati, called out “ya Sai”, thus the friar without a name began to be called Sai Baba.

This quaint temple is commemorated with a small shrine, and padukas (footwear) of Sai Baba lay at its base. It is one of the oldest temples in Shirdi where Baba set his feet. Religious saga also included the auspicious time when the temple priest offered Sai Baba to stay there for sometime. A visit to the ancient Khandoba Mandir completes your religious journey of Shirdi.

Special Attributes

One of the oldest temples in Shirdi, where Sai Baba first set feet.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Since it is a religious site, dress appropriately and avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

All attractions are within walking distances from anywhere in Shirdi. Cycle rickshaws are available easily, and are the best way to explore locally.

Shirdi is on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway, about 250 kilometers (156 miles) from Mumbai and 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Nashik. You can choose to fly into Nashik and then take a bus, taxi or train to Shirdi. Shirdi is accessible on the Central Railway line; get off at Manmad (65 kilometers/41 miles from Shirdi) or at Kopergaon (18 kilometers/11.25 miles). Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) runs buses from all major destinations.

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will be indoors

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Keep your tone low while exploring the temple.

Type of site

One of Shirdi's oldest temples